Low Physical Activity Could Likely Kill You, Here's How

First Posted: Jul 29, 2016 04:21 AM EDT

A study reveals that low physical activity or lack of exercise could increase the risk of dying. It is deadly as smoking,according to experts.

The study was published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology on July 28, 2016. It was led by Dr. Per Ladenvall, a Swedish researcher from the University of Gothenburg and other colleagues, according to Huffington Post.

Dr. Landenvall explained that the benefits of being physically active over a lifetime are clear. He further explained that low physical capacity is a greater risk for death than high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

He added that the risk linked with low aerobic capacity was evident throughout more than four decades and indicates that being physically active can have a big impact over a lifetime. "The effect of aerobic capacity on a risk of death was second only to smoking," said Ladenvall.

The study involved 792 men aged 54 years old. They were asked to do an exercise test in 1967 and 656 of them did a maximum exercise test. The researchers followed them up until 2012.

There were physical examinations that were performed every decade. The data about the cause of their death was gathered from the National Cause of Death Registry. The results showed that low aerobic capacity was linked with increased rates of deaths, according to Ladenvall. He also suggested being physically active and reducing the physical inactivity such as prolonged sitting.

As people grow older, they lose muscles strengths, vitamins and minerals. They are also at risk of chronic diseases and other medical condition. To prevent acquiring these diseases, it is recommended that you workout or have a regular exercise.

Bodybuilding suggests that you do a 5 minute light cardio before you begin your workout. This could make your blood flow through your body.

Then, do a 30 minute of moderate intensity cardio after workouts. Never miss to stretch before and after workouts and allow 2 to 3 minutes rest periods between each set.